Barcelona humbled Real Madrid for the second time this season, winning 5-2 to take the Spanish Super Cup in Saudi Arabia.
In a game where defensive structure and discipline were completely absent, both teams attacked at will with both goalkeepers in action early and often with Barcelona’s clinical finishing either side of halftime firmly pushing the match firmly in their favour, until Wojcech Szczesny’s sending-off spurred Real back into life.
Kylian Mbappe scored a fantastic first twisting Alejandro Balde inside and out before slotting home with aplomb, but just as in Barcelona’s 4-0 victory in Madrid in October, the Catalan side were allowed to race deep into enemy territory with little resistance. On that occasion, they scored four in the second half, this time they bagged four before the break.
Lamine Yamal scored a typical goal gliding in from the right and slotting home, Gavi was brought down for a penalty for Robert Lewandowski to score, Raphinia was unmarked to power a header home and then Balde drilled home after a fine team breakaway on the stroke of half time.
Another wonderful individual goal, Raphinia’s second, came next before a second VAR call saw Szczesny dismissed for bringing down Mbappe and Rodrigo netted the ensuing free kick.
The victory is a much-needed boost for Hansi Flick’s side and will only open more questions about the defensive man-power at Carlo Ancelotti’s disposal.
